Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa)
Balbriggan, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 298 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 138 girls, 160 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17569E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa) is a vibrant primary school situated on Coach Road in Balrothery, Co. Dublin. The school’s ethos centres on fostering a love of learning, respect for diversity and a safe, happy environment where every child can thrive. Working closely with parents, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association, the school promotes partnership and community involvement, encouraging pupils to develop curiosity, confidence and a strong sense of belonging. The campus now comprises twelve mainstream classrooms and four dedicated special‑education rooms, providing a range of learning spaces that support both whole‑class instruction and individual needs. A well‑equipped sports programme includes football, basketball and athletics, while a rich curriculum of art, quizzes and other creative activities enhances pupils’ cultural development. The school also places a strong emphasis on well‑being, with designated safeguarding contacts and a voluntary contribution scheme that helps fund additional resources, transport and extracurricular workshops.
History
Balrothery National School traces its origins to school records dating back to 1865. Initially the school occupied a secluded 1722 penal‑era church building after the parish church was erected in 1842. The original one‑room school featured a partitioned area for senior classes and alternating desk and form seating. In 1949 a new three‑room building was constructed on a new site and the school was officially named Scoil Oilibheir Beaunaithe. Under the leadership of Principal Joe Madden the school achieved notable academic success, including five County Council scholarships in 1951. Subsequent principals continued to build on this legacy, expanding the facilities from four rooms to the current twelve classrooms and four special‑education rooms, and maintaining strong community links, high academic standards, and achievements in sport, arts and extracurricular competitions.
Applying to Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa)
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
View Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa)'s own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa). The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa)
How many pupils attend Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa)?
Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa) has 298 pupils enrolled, 138 girls and 160 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa) a DEIS school?
No. Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa) is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa)?
Balrothery National School (Oilibhear Naofa) has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.